Review by: David Schildknecht
Wine Advocate: Issue 175, February 2008
Rating: 94 POINTS
Drink now - 2038

You might think that having a category above S.G.N. is more than enough of a good thing, but the Fallers offer a second celestial tier as illustrated by their 2002 Gewurztraminer Furstentum Quintessence de Grains Nobles Cuvee dOr. Think of this as the I-can't-believe-it-became-wine category ... or perhaps simply "cuvee unbelievable". The schnapps-like intensity of peppermint on the nose here is sneeze-inducing, and behind that lies an essence of roses. The viscosity is nearly gelatinous yet this barely-wine feels almost weightless on the tongue as it positively radiates high-toned herbal essences, citrus, and oil of rose petals. A nearly endless finish is not overly sweet despite stratospheric residual sugar. In short, this elixir displays a certain embryonic simplicity, but has the potential to deliver an extraordinary experience 10, 20 or 30 years from now.
The dynamic trio of Fallers continues to bottle some of France's (hardly just Alsace's) richest and most flamboyant wines. Beginning with 2005, all of their vineyards are being biodynamically farmed. Laurence Faller finds their 2005s in general "more focused and clear" (this was especially true of Riesling) despite their often prominent botrytis component, and the 2004s richer. I suppose it goes without saying, but one has to carefully scrutinize each Weinbach label, so numerous are the cuvees. And as wonderful as is the distinctiveness exhibited by the vast majority of wines here, even a geek like yours truly could be forgiven for asking whether somewhat fewer different bottlings might benefit consumers as well as journalists!

Review by: Bruce Sanderson
Wine Spectator: Issue October 31, 2005
Rating: 96 POINTS
Drink now - 2025

Very concentrated, this SGN delivers citrus marmalade, honey and spice flavors, all well-integrated into the structure and texture. It's even tactile on the finish, with a pleasant tannic bitterness that tingles around the gums. Best from 2007 through 2025. 20 cases made.